Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Guardiola shocked by Premier League´s physicality

SoccerNews in English Premier League 16 Dec 2016

138 Views

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits the physical nature of the Premier League has surprised him and he feels Chelsea are the only other team trying to build play from the back.

Guardiola made a name for himself at Barcelona and Bayern Munich with his possession-based style, but he has been struggling to get City playing his way due to the direct approach of many of their opponents.

“I try to play in one way all my career and here, for example with high pressing, when they have the ball we go to pick them up, it is not allowed, because it is not allowed. Many times the ball is more in the air than the grass, and I have to adapt,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

“I was in Munich and spoke with Xabi Alonso, and he said: ‘You have to adapt, it’s the second ball, the second ball!’ But really, you have to adapt to the second ball, and the third ball, and the fourth!

“I never before was focused on that, because in Barcelona or in Spain, more or less the players try to play for the culture.

“That’s why they won World Cups, and they won the Euros, won the Champions Leagues, the Europa Leagues, all the time, all of the years, Spanish teams are in the latter stages, all of the teams.

“In Germany it was more physical, but not like here. Here it is all the teams, except maybe Chelsea because Antonio [Conte] is playing really well and having them build up, but the other teams are taller, stronger, physical, and you have to adapt and build from that.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SoccerNews

Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.

You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top